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Artist and entrepreneur Patience Brewster will be the first guest in a new series of Creative Conversations presented by the Skaneateles Area Arts Council (SKARTS).

Patience Brewster

The program, moderated by actress and Central New York arts leader Laura Austin, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 5 at The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles.

The two will discuss Brewster’s art and her business, and then take questions from the audience.

“SKARTS is launching this new series to feature local artists and thought leaders in our community,” says Joe Strodel Jr., the organization’s president. “Each Creative Conversation will feature a thought-leader moderator conversing with an artist, musician, performer or writer. The audience will explore how artists create, live and draw inspiration.”

Since signing her first book contract at the age of 25, Brewster has illustrated more than 34 books. Working in pencil, watercolor and gouache, she has developed a style that is immediately recognizable and highly prized. Her drawings have been featured on greeting cards, holiday ornaments and other home products.

She launched Patience Brewster Cards in 2002, and the company’s Ornaments and Gifts division in 2008. The company, of which she is the sole creative force, has sales around the world.

“Sometimes, a passion or a person has a strong hold on my consciousness and that transforms into a drawing,” Brewster says.

Austin is a founder and associate artistic director of Redhouse Arts Center. In 2003, she developed and implemented the Redhouse Capital Campaign, which raised $1.4 million. She also managed the renovations of a three-story historic building in downtown Armory Square.

At Redhouse, she has been responsible for selecting, casting, directing, acting in, promoting and commissioning works, along with fund-raising. She has served on the boards of numerous arts organizations and has a wide range of acting credits, both nationally and internationally. She is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity.

The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles, is owned by Dr. Robert Kiltz and has recently been renovated to include five levels of meeting and living space. The space features architectural lighting, original brick walls and a glass elevator. The event will use two levels of the structure. Hors d’oeuvres will be served on the street level and the presentation will be held on the lake level, one floor down.

Sponsors include Dr. Robert Kiltz, Group M Communications, Skaneateles Talk and Vincent McCabe Inc. Brewster and Austin have also graciously contributed their time to the event.

Tickets may be purchased for $25 at http://skarts.org/tickets/. Attendance is limited and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are requested by March 1.

SKARTS, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, works to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The council presents cultural programming, offers free concerts at the gazebo in Clift Park, and issues grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.

Skaneateles, NY — The Skaneateles Area Arts Council will present its second annual free concert to the community, “Dance & Swing,” Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009. The concert, featuring the Charlie Bertini Jazz Band, starts at 8 p.m. at the gazebo at Skaneateles’ Clift Park.

“Dancing is encouraged, as this band is difficult to sit still to,” says Joe Strodel, president of the Skaneateles Area Arts Council.

Charlie Bertini was raised in Skaneateles, began trumpet lessons at the age of 9, and started his own dance band in the ninth grade. At 19, he joined the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus, touring for six years as first trumpeter and later as musical director. Bertini has performed with Al Martino, Mel Tormé and Patti Page; in Broadway shows and Dixieland show clubs; and in free-lance engagements at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Church Street Station in Orlando.

Bertini has backed up such artists as Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis and Ray Charles, and has played on network TV specials for Walt Disney World, Ringling Bros. Circus, and several PBS music specials. He has recorded 12 albums with Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band and produced more than 55 albums for various artists, with more in the works. He has played in 45 states, Europe and China.

During the program, the Skaneateles Area Arts Council will recognize winners of its 2009 grants: the Auburn Chamber Orchestra, the Auburn Public Theatre, Hetty Easter, Becky Flannigan, Lisa Ford, the Skaneateles Festival, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and the Skaneateles Summer Theatre.

The mission of the Skaneateles Area Arts Council is to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in the community. The Arts Council presents cultural programming and issues community support grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area. The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. To contact the Arts Council, call 315-685-2414.